M35080 Programming
 

My gauge cluster has all sorts of problems, so I'm looking to replace it. I know how to do everything to replace it with a used cluster, except I'd rather not pull the needles off to reprogram the M35080. It seems there's a solder pad area or maybe you can get to the back of the board under the chip and connect the programmer (all the programmers say "no need to remove needles"). Does anyone on here know? It's just such a hassle and risky to pull the needles off. I'd rather not if I can avoid it.

You'll need to align the replaced cluster with your VIN and adjust the mileage to not have a tamper dot. I used PASoft. No need to replace the needle as long as you replace with a compatible one.

I thought PASoft wouldn't work for the M35080 chip? Did you do it on a X5? By compatible, do you mean one from another X5, or can it be from any car with the same cluster? I've heard older cars you can use PASoft, but anything around 2000+ requires M35080 programming.

Or are you saying that there are earlier clusters of the same design that do not have the M35080 and would work with PASoft?

I did it on my 06 4.8iS. When I bought it, the tamper dot is blinking and the dealer couldn't re-program the replacement cluster to get rid of it. I use PASoft and that's done.
By compatible, I mean cluster from another X5 and use "iS" cluster if you have an "iS" or the regular cluster if you have regular.

So it may have been a new cluster instead of a used one? I think as long as it's still zeroed out that PASoft can program it. I'm looking to get one from like a 740i, download the coding from my old one and upload it to the new one. If it has the M35080, then it seems I need the chip programmer to zero out the KM and then it should act like one from factory.

PASoft can do it regardless of new or used

As far as I know by using these tools, PA Soft can get a used or new cluster programmed for your car but you cannot change the mileage on your cluster with it unless it's zero. So, you can get rid of your tamper dot by getting the LCM to the same mileage the cluster has but not the other way around. Tricker is right, you need a special tool to program the M35080 directly. Changing the milage on the cluster through the OBD port is not possible.

tmv, I might be wrong though. I am curious how did you do it.

One thing I read, that I'm not sure is true, is that once the VINs are right, the highest mileage number is used. if that's true, I could get a cluster with fewer miles and be fine. I saw something about it taking time to update, like 120 miles. Anyone know the validity of that statement?

Right, That is correct and you can do that using PA Soft.